About Me

I am originally from the city of Margao in South Goa, India. Goa is a small state along the west coast of India, bounded by the Arabian Sea on its west. Margao is the second largest and one of the most historic cities in Goa with the most western Portuguese culture. Portuguese merchants first landed in Goa in the 15th century, and annexed it soon after. The Portuguese colony existed for about 450 years, until it was successfully taken over by India in 1961. Hence you can see traces of the Portuguese cultures in every part of Goa.

Goa is known internationally for its lovely white sands and bright sunny beaches. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations for both domestic as well as foreign tourists, especially for Europeans. Besides the scenic beauty, Goa is famous for its heritage architecture, including the Bom Jesus Basilica, convents and several Hindu Temples. Goa has it all!!!

I lived in Goa all my life with my family, consisting of my mom, my dad and my younger brother, before I came to Kansas to pursue my Masters. My dad is a businessman and my mom a housewife. My brother Ojas recently graduated with a bachelors in Electronic Engineering and is presently working with ABB in Bangalore. I completed my undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering from Goa College Of Engineering in the year 2002. I was then working as a contract faculty at the same college until I came here in Fall of 2004.

This year has been very exciting for me. I was in India in Dec 2005-Jan 2006 and thats when I got married!!! My husband, Sumit Patankar, graduated from K-State with his Masters in Mechanical Engineering in August 2006. He is presently working with Applied Materials located at Santa Clara, California.